Salt Water Cleaning

Cleaning your saltwater fish tank and exchanging the saltwater within it is basic fish tank maintenance. This will replenish used up elements in the water, reduce nitrate levels and keep your fish, coral and plants happy. Saltwater aquariums are perhaps the most beautiful type of fish aquarium because of the vast array of sea life that is sustainable in one. They also require constant monitoring and regular upkeep.

Things You'll Need

  • Five-gallon bucket
  • Saltwater mix
  • Siphon
  • Clean cloth
  • Thermometer
  • Hydrometer
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Instructions

    • 1

      Purchase a one-step saltwater aquarium mix and follow the instructions on the container. By doing this you will be making new saltwater to filter into your fish tank. According to Pet University, it is best to do small frequent water changes rather than large infrequent water changes; it reduces the shock to the fish and plant life. They recommend changing 10 percent of the water every two weeks. If you do not have a saltwater mix available or prefer not to use artificial chemicals, you can take a trip to the ocean and gather your own, natural sea water. The Fishlore website warns against using freshly mixed saltwater, because it is caustic. They advise mixing the saltwater a day ahead of time and allowing it to sit.

    • 2

      Disconnect all the power to your fish tank. Remove the lid and clean it. Siphon 10 percent or more up to 20 percent of the water into a five-gallon bucket. Once this is done, use the low water time to clean hoses, pumps, attachments and decorations. Rinse any filter media from the water that you siphoned into the bucket. Also use this time to clean the salt buildup which occurs along the edges and lid of the tank.

    • 3

      Test your new batch of water and bring it to the same temperature of the water still in the tank. This is to maintain a sustainable environment in the tank. Fish and other aquatic life do not respond well to sudden changes in temperature. Similarly, fish do not like changes in salinity and so the salinity or amount of salt in the new water must match the salinity of the tank water. Once you have made sure that these two elements are correlated with your thermometer and hydrometer, add the new water to the tank. The water will evaporate over time and the water levels of your tank will fall slowly. Only freshwater evaporates and the salt in it stays behind. Unless you are trying to raise the salinity of your tank only refill low levels due to evaporation with fresh water.

    • 4

      Monitor the salinity, nitrate content and PH levels of your tank. Once you have completed the first water change, set a regular weekly schedule and stick to it to ensure the best results. Remember not to change more than 20 percent of the water at a time. Pay attention to the behavior of your fish, if they start to act strangely you'll want to check your water for inconsistencies. According to Pet University, temperatures and filters should be checked daily. Nitrate levels and PH should be checked weekly and water changes should be performed bi-weekly.